Predicted Manchester City Lineup To Face Crystal Palace
Manchester City will look to go a step closer to the Champions League when they take on Sam Allardyce’s Crystal Palace on Saturday in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s men dropped crucial points last week when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Middlesbrough. Pep will be hoping that his team put that behind and bounce back against the Eagles, who have beaten the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool over the last month. Manchester City currently occupy 4th place in the league table, and are 3 points below 3rd placed Liverpool.
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Guardiola will be without goalkeeper Claudio Bravo who has been ruled out for the season, after picking up a calf injury. Striker Sergio Aguero too remains a doubt due to a groin problem, along with David Silva and John Stones. Ilkay Gundogan has been ruled out for the season.
Probable Manchester City Starting XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Willy Caballero (GK)
With Claudio Bravo ruled out for the season, Caballero will return to the starting XI in between the sticks.
Jesus Navas (RB)
The Spaniard has had a revival of sorts in the right-back spot. He should start against Palace ahead of Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna.
Vincent Kompany (CB)
The captain has returned and has immediately made the City defence look much better. He will lead the team out against the Eagles.
Nicolas Otamendi (CB)
The Argentine looks a much better defender playing alongside Kompany. He will keep his place in the playing XI.
Gael Clichy (LB)
The Frenchman has been poor over the course of the season. But due to the lack of a better option, he will start the last few games of the season.
Yaya Toure (CM)
The Ivorian was rested for the Middlesbrough game but is largely expected to return to the fold for the clash against Palace.
Fernandinho (CM)
Partnering Toure in the two-man midfield axis will be Fernandinho. He will be tasked with shielding his backline against the likes of Yohan Cabaye and Jason Puncheon.
Raheem Sterling (RW)
The Englishman hasn’t been in the best of forms in recent weeks. He will want to change that with an impressive display against the Eagles.
Kevin De Bruyne (CAM)
With David Silva still a doubt, the creative burden will be borne by Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian hasn’t been at his best for quite some time now, but he will need to deliver if City are to finish strongly.
Leroy Sane (LW)
The summer signing has really come into his own in the second-half of the season. He was the difference maker last week as his entry sparked City into action. Will start on the left-flank.
Gabriel Jesus (ST)
With Aguero a doubt due to an injury, last week’s saviour Gabriel Jesus will operate as the lone striker upfront for the Citizens. He looks like a star in the making and will want to keep his impressive run going.